What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Associate II - The Vector Engineering Lab position at Broad Institute?
General information
Location
Cambridge, MA
Ref #
44026
Job Family
Research
Workplace
On-Site
Date published
04/13/2026
Time Type
Full time
Pay Range
$58,000.00/yr - $80,667.00/yr
Description & Requirements
The Vector Engineering laboratory led by Ben Deverman is looking for a research associate to join our team. We are a fast-paced and mission-driven collaborative laboratory focused on developing next-generation adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors for neuroscience research and for CNS gene therapies. In this role, you will assist with the execution of in vitro and in vivo studies aimed at developing a brain-wide gene therapy for a genetically defined neurodegenerative disease. For examples of our recent work, please see the references at the end of the job description.
Success in this role will require that you are meticulous with your lab work and documentation, and that you are able to work closely with a team of wet-lab and computational scientists to assure the timely completion of the team’s research objectives. You will be expected to function independently in your daily responsibilities after training. Opportunities for presenting your work to your colleagues will be provided.
CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES
Success in this role will require that you are meticulous with your lab work and documentation, and that you are able to work closely with a team of wet-lab and computational scientists to assure the timely completion of the team’s research objectives. You will be expected to function independently in your daily responsibilities after training. Opportunities for presenting your work to your colleagues will be provided.
CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES
- Culturing human embryonic stem cell-derived neurons
- Molecular biology techniques such as DNA and RNA purification, PCR, qPCR, and analysis of proteins
- IP and IV injections in rodents
- Tissue sectioning and cryo-sectioning
- Immunohistochemistry staining of sectioned tissues and fluorescence microscopy
- Extraction and purification of RNA and DNA from mammalian tissue samples
- Organization, tracking, and storing of samples in house and with external repositories
- Consulting colleagues and the scientific literature, as needed, to develop professional expertise and support ongoing and future projects
- Troubleshooting to resolve problems and participate in new technology evaluation and implementation
- Maintenance of meticulous records and documentation, compilation and analysis of experimental data
- Ordering and maintenance of stocks of reagents and supplies
- Attendance and presentation at team meetings to share results, plan projects and experiments, and ensure that projects support team goals
QUALIFICATIONS
- B.S. or M.S. in a biology related field
- Experience handling mice or other small laboratory animals
- Hands-on experience with extracting DNA and/or RNA from cells or tissues
- Foundational knowledge of (and some hands on experience with) PCR and other common molecular biology techniques
- Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture
- Experience working in a BL2 or BL2 environment
- Exceptional organizational and time management skills, electronic lab notebook practices and careful attention to detail
- Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills and attention to detail
- Strong work ethic, reliability, and desire to work in a team
Publications to review:
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adm8386 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-024-03466-w https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ado7082
https://www.nature.com/articles/nbt.3440 https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3002112 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-50555-y https://www.nature.com/articles/nrd.2018.110 https://www.nature.com/articles/nn.4593 https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0225206 https://www.nature.com/articles/s44161-022-00046-4
https://www.nature.com/articles/nbt.3440 https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3002112 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-50555-y https://www.nature.com/articles/nrd.2018.110 https://www.nature.com/articles/nn.4593 https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0225206 https://www.nature.com/articles/s44161-022-00046-4
The expected base pay range for this position as listed above is based on a 40 hour per week schedule. Broad provides pay ranges representing its reasonable and good faith estimate of what the organization reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of posting. Actual compensation will vary based on factors including but not limited to, relevant skills, experience, education, qualifications, and other factors permissible by law.
At Broad, your base pay is just one part of a comprehensive total rewards package. From day one, this role offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; a 401(k) retirement plan; flexible spending and health savings accounts; at least 13 paid holidays; winter closure; paid time off; parental and family care leave; and an employee assistance program, among other Broad benefits.
The Broad Institute is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.
Should you need a reasonable accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact recruiting@broadinstitute.org for assistance.
Salary : $58,000 - $80,667